Julia G. "Judy" Morris

Born Sept. 7, 1933, in Galesburg, to Lloyd and Mildred M. (Griggs) Gerstenberger, she married Richard “Bud” Smith on March 14, 1954. He died Sept. 11, 1986. She was also preceded in death by her parents; and 2 brothers, Charles, and George.

She later married Dearl Morris on Sept. 23, 1989 in Chillicothe. He survives. Also surviving are one son, Ross (Linda) Smith of Seattle, WA; two daughters, Laura (Len) Berg of Carlsbad, CA, Cindy (Danny) Erickson of Mahomet; one step-son, Skip (Paula) Morris of Peoria; and one sister, Carolyn Evans of Champaign. Judy also leaves behind 7 grandchildren; 6 step-grandchildren; and 2 step-great grandchildren to cherish her memory.

Judy graduated from Galesburg High School in 1951. She attended the University of Illinois, majoring in Elementary Education and Psychology. She was a proud member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority and was active with the University choir and was an Illini cheerleader. She was also a long-time member of PEO, Chapter FB.

A member of the Chillicothe Plymouth Congregational (UCC) Church for many years, Judy served on the church’s building committee from 1959 through 1962. She was a also an active Sunday school teacher and youth group leader, along with being a member of the church’s choir and Women’s Fellowship. She also served on the Hillcrest Nursery School Board.

In Peoria she was a Girl Scout leader and trainer. A long-time board member of the Friendship House of Christian Service, she served on the Board of Directors, Women’s Auxiliary and helped develop the County Child Abuse Prevention Council. She was awarded the annual “Love A Child” award in 1988 for her work.

Judy and her first husband, Bud, were stationed in Geneva, Switzerland with Caterpillar for 7 years. While in Geneva, the family attended the Evangelical Lutheran Church. She was very active in and with the COSA Wives; helping newly arrived Caterpillar families adjust to their new surroundings and culture.

Most recently, Judy was an active member of the Friends of Clonmel, Peoria’s Irish Sister City. She and her husband, Dearl, also helped host several families from Ireland on their visits to the United States.

Judy was a collector of (125) International Nativity sets, displaying and sharing that collection with various churches and organizations over the years throughout the Christmas season.

Cremation has been accorded. Memorial visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 30, at Davison-Fulton-Woolsey-Wilton Funeral Home in Peoria. Memorial Services will be at 12 Noon Saturday, Oct. 1 at the Funeral Home with further visitation from 11 a.m. until service time on Saturday. Private burial will be at Chillicothe City Cemetery at a later date.

Memorials may be made to Peoria’s Friendship House, or to a charity of donor’s choice.